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Twice in a Blue Moon	By : UnseenLibrarian Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Hermione/Bill Views: 19693 -:- Recommendations : 3 -:- Currently Reading : 5
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters from it. I make no money from this story.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
CHAPTER SIX

Early Sunday morning, December 12, 2000

Moon phase: Just past full

Waves crashed rhythmically on the nearby beach as Sunday dawned over Shell Cottage. A few gulls called to each other as they foraged for breakfast and life began to stir inside the little house.

Slowly drifting awake, Bill yawned hugely, eyes closed, and languidly stretched out his full length, feeling his spine pop and crackle. He didn't recall falling sleep last night, or even climbing the stairs to the bedroom. The entire day before was rather hazy in fact, now that he thought about it. Despite the odd lack of memory, he felt strangely relaxed and content, as though a huge weight had lifted from his shoulders. An aura of smug satisfaction permeated his being; indeed, the very air seemed suffused with the scent of contentment.

Naked under the covers, he was in no rush to leave his cozy bed and face the cold air of the bedroom. Besides, he felt rather achy and sore this morning, as if he'd run a marathon. His brow furrowed and he sent a mental nudge to his lupine companion. I remember running yesterday. How far did I go? The only answer he received was a gentle snore from inside his mind. The wolf was still sleeping.

Bill shrugged it off, too warm and snug to be particularly bothered. He decided he'd take a long, hot shower in a few minutes and soothe his sore muscles. For now, he luxuriated in the feel of the soft sheets on his skin. Lightly scratching his stomach, he grinned as his eager 'Dawn Horn' made its presence known. Just as he had done every day since his divorce, he wrapped his hand around his erection for a morning wank.

Eyes still closed, Bill's eyebrows lifted as he discovered his cock to be sticky and tender to the touch. Sticky? That was unexpected.

Shifting around as he mulled this over, he brushed up against warm, soft, feminine skin. Inhaling sharply in surprise, he realized that the delightful fragrance in the air was the damp, lush smell of hot wild sex and the unique aroma of the woman of his heart. The heady scent triggered his memory and details of the night before rushed into his mind. His eyes popped open.

"Great Balls of Merlin," he said aloud. "I mated Hermione last night."

"I'll say you did," said a soft, amused voice near his cheek.

With a laugh, he rolled to look at the witch beside him, automatically gathering her close against his body. Hermione lay facing him, one hand under the pillow, the other coming up to rest on his chest, a sly little smile on her face. Her bushy hair spread every which way on the pillows and she was nude as he was: he could feel the heat of her skin where they pressed together. The hard length of his penis rubbed against her belly and his lip curled in pleasure. Her scent was even richer this morning than it had been the night before; rich and thrilling. His nostrils flared as he reveled in it. He slid one long-fingered hand slowly down her back to her bum, grinning at Hermione's answering sigh of contentment.

"Good morning, Bill," she whispered. "You look rather like the cat that ate the canary."

"Mmm, I did eat something last night. Morning, sweetness," he murmured, caressing her arse and pulling her thigh over his. Hermione obliged him by wiggling closer still. She kissed him as she slid her hands up to his cheeks, working her fingers into his beard. He leaned into her touch.

"You need a shave," she decided. "I have beard burn in numerous unmentionable places."

He chuckled. "Whoops. Sorry about that," he said, picturing where the beard burn must be particularly severe. He smirked, feeling rather pleased with himself and not at all sorry. Then, his gaze fell on her throat and his laughing eyes grew sober. Bringing one hand up, he gently inspected the mating bond-mark he'd left low on the curve of her neck. It was a clearly defined bite, and was surprisingly well-healed even though he'd only claimed her some twelve hours earlier.

"Does it hurt much?" Concern was evident in his voice. "If I could have marked you any other way-"

"No, Bill, there's no pain. Really." Hermione assured him. Her eyes sparkled as she laid her fingers over his so they were touching the mark together. "It hurt for just a moment, and then I felt so incredibly alive. It was wonderful." She blushed, then admitted, "I've never orgasmed so hard in my life."

His face lit up again with a smile and he rolled her to her back, leaning over her. He nuzzled into her neck and licked the mark. "Mmm. Good," he said against her skin. "Neither have I." Pulling away to look at her, he continued, "It's a good thing we came several more times to make sure it wasn't a fluke, yeah?"

Hermione's flushed cheeks dimpled as she smiled up at her new mate. "Yes, a very good thing." She closed her eyes and stretched in his arms, wincing as she did. "Oh, I am rather sore this morning, though. I hate to use a cliché, but you were a real animal in bed last night." She looked sheepish for a moment and then said, "I need the loo; be right back." Sliding out from under the covers, she wrapped her arms around herself to ward off the chill and made a beeline for the adjoining bathroom, little sounds of discomfort escaping her.

Bill felt a tiny bit guilty as he watched her rounded bare bottom disappear behind the door. Look at those scratches, and the love bites! Merlin, they'd really gone at it last night. No wonder she's sore. He couldn't help the rush of lust that surged through him. Though he hated the idea of causing her real, serious pain, knowing that he was the cause of Hermione's post-coital discomfort stroked his male ego thoroughly, and his wolf's.

A real animal. Yeah, that's what I'm talkin' about, came a familiar self-satisfied growl.

You heard that, huh? I thought you were asleep, 'animal'.

Nope, Just a quick nap. Your female smells too good this morning for me to stay away for long. If anything, she smells even better today. She's a lovely mate, Red, his waking wolf said with a yawn. You're welcome.

You took control yesterday, didn't you? Bill accused his mental companion. You're getting stronger.

Eh, the moon was full; I took advantage of it. Don't act so surprised. You know perfectly well that I've been growing in strength ever since your first attempt at mating failed. The wolf yawned again. Once the mating urge hits a werewolf, he or she doesn't rest until a good match is made. You, you lucky dog, have a match made in heaven with this female. Hermione 'has charms to soothe the savage beast'.

It's 'music' that soothes the beast, you idiot, and I thought you didn't 'do' names. Bill scowled. You're lucky she's not in any particular pain. You know that's why I was concerned about mating her. I didn't want a repeat of what happened with Fleur.

Get over yourself. I wasn't going to let you get away with that noble, lonely human male crap you tried to pull two nights ago. Not when your mate-to-be was so ready for you to claim her, the wolf retorted. Hermione's nothing like your vain harpy of an ex-wife. She's perfect for you, which you've known for over a year, if you'd only allowed yourself to think about it.

Smugly, the wolf continued. Last night I simply pushed you off dead-center to make your move, lover-boy. Feel how happy and relaxed you are? You have her to thank for that. Now that you are mated, she'll hold me in check. Trust me; you wouldn't want to be a full-blown werewolf. Too much hair, gross teeth, bad breath, and you're never invited to parties.

Damn it. Of course the wolf was right. Bill had had no desire to succumb to Greyback's bite completely and was now irritated that he had remained in denial for so long. He rolled his eyes, scoffing at himself and his 'noble, lonely human' attitude.

Hermione, who had just returned, looked at him quizzically. He gestured vaguely and sat up, brushing his tangled hair away from his face. With a smile, he said, "I just realized how badly I smell. Come on." He took her hand. "Let's take a shower."

"Yes please. Make it good and hot. You owe me after that frigid ducking from last night."

"Hey now, you smelled much more palatable afterward. Besides, I made sure you were plenty warm enough as the night wore on." Bill bared his teeth with a grin and led the way into the bathroom. Hermione followed him, shaking her head good-naturedly.

Originally, the room had been little more than a large closet with a small, cramped shower stall. To keep himself occupied in the weeks following his divorce, Bill had thrown himself into sprucing up the cottage. With this room, he'd magically enlarged it, adding floor space, a large shower and separate two-person tub. Now he was looking forward to sharing it with Hermione.

Bill crossed to the walk-in shower and started the water. Within seconds, steam from the magically heated water was filling the room. He opened the shower door and motioned for his mate to enter, which she did with a gasp of delight. As she started to wash, he removed his dragon fang earring, which by some small miracle had not become entangled in his hair, put some towels within reach of the shower, and then followed her inside.

"Oh, yes. This feels so good," Hermione moaned, her head tipped back, already rinsing shampoo from her wet and streaming hair. Her skin was shining as the sudsy water ran down her body. Bill feasted on the vision she presented as he stepped under the other showerhead, soaking the heat into his sore muscles. He sighed with relief and his eyes fluttered closed. The water stung a bit as it hit his numerous cuts and scrapes, but he didn't care. It felt too good to be clean.

"You look so happy and satisfied, Bill," she said with a chuckle. Soft, soapy hands were suddenly on him, running over his shoulders and pectorals, then down his abs. He opened his eyes to see Hermione gazing intently up at him, her hands washing and massaging him at the same time.

"Gods, sweetness. That's it," he grunted, twisting to give her better access.

She lathered up his neck and paid special attention to his bearded cheeks and the rest of his face, caressing him lovingly. It was relaxing yet erotic at the same time, and his penis, which had softened somewhat, began to stiffen again. Hermione smirked at this obvious tell of his enjoyment, but ignored it for now.

"Turn around now," she commanded after rinsing him. "Time for your hair; mine's already done."

"Bossy," Bill remarked as he obliged. He was rewarded with copious amounts of shampoo being massaged through his long hair. He groaned as Hermione began to rub his scalp, scratching lightly with her nails. She carefully worked the shampoo into all of his mats and tangles, straightening them out as she went. Then she gave him a light smack on the arse and ordered him to turn around again.

"Time to rinse," she said. "I love your hair, Bill. It's so much easier to deal with than mine. Please don't ever cut it off."

He snorted. "I don't plan to. I have too much fun listening to Mum splutter about it."

Facing each other again, Hermione had to stand on her tiptoes as she sluiced the water over his head. He bit his lip to stifle a laugh as he watched her stretching to reach. With her arms upraised her breasts jutted out invitingly, just asking him to touch them. He cupped them in his hands, tweaking her nipples with his thumbs and forefingers, and she gasped. She pulled away slightly and pushed at his hands.

"Not yet, William Arthur Weasley," she admonished. "You need more scrubbing first."

Bill sighed heavily in mock consternation but allowed her to continue her ministrations, enjoying the physical forthrightness of his mate. She was very thorough, washing his back, arms, sides, legs, feet, even his bum. This last made him rise up on his toes with a surprised yelp, Hermione giggling from behind him. As he gingerly dropped down to be flat-footed again, she was waiting with yet another surprise.

Her soapy hands snaked around his waist from behind and grasped his now rock-hard erection, slowly stroking it and his testicles as she washed every inch of him. He moaned. His knees felt weak and he could only watch her hands work their magic. Last night he remembered he'd been vigorous and feral in their lovemaking, dominating her throughout, so she hadn't yet had a real chance to touch him and explore. Now, he was at her mercy and she was taking full advantage.

Bill felt himself swelling and hardening still further as her strokes became firmer. She slid back his foreskin, carefully washing the sensitive head of his penis and making sure to clean every inch. His grunts of pleasure encouraged her to stroke still harder, taking special care to swipe her slick hand over the tip and the underside of his cock on each stroke. Bill groaned louder still when she slid one hand down to his scrotum and cupped his balls, rolling them in her soapy palm. His clenched fists pressed hard against the shower wall to keep him upright. If she kept this up, his climax was mere moments away.

This is what I like about humans, came a voice. You fuck for fun, not just procreation. I wouldn't want to miss out on this!

Bill whimpered aloud and silently scolded, Wolf, please! Enjoy this all you want but, Merlin, shut up!

The wolf went quiet, but the momentary distraction had helped Bill regain some control. Though he was still wildly aroused, his orgasm was no longer imminent, of which he was glad. Much as he wanted to come, he also wanted this incredible feeling to last.

Hermione had been resting her cheek against his back, her hot wet body pressed to him. At his whimper however, she slid around and dropped to her knees in front of him, taking his cock in both hands and licking her lips. She rinsed the soap away with water as he gazed down at her with hooded, lustful eyes.

She looked up and began rubbing the tip of his penis against her bottom lip. "I've wanted to do this since Friday night, Bill," she said throatily. With a sexy smile and a sultry wink, she slowly leaned forward and engulfed the head of his erection in her mouth.

Sparks slammed through his entire being as she drew his thick cock in deep. Bracing himself, he stared, mesmerized, as she swallowed almost his entire length down her throat, her muscles working and squeezing, and he cursed softly as she proceeded to swipe at his sensitive underside with her tongue while she pulled back. The erotic imagery made his heart pound. How could he have ever considered resisting this woman?

"Fuck almighty, Hermione," he muttered. Their eyes met. She smiled around his erection, hummed a bit to send vibrations coursing through his shaft and balls, then she started to bob her head, popping the crown in and out of her warm, wet mouth rapidly. Her tongue tickled underneath the ridge of the head as she did this and she continued stroking him firmly with both hands.

Bill's knees threatened to buckle. Her humming stoked his need ever higher. His sac began to tighten and he knew that, despite his attempts to hold back, he was going to come very soon.

As his need grew, he began to thrust through her lips on his own, one hand cupping the nape of her neck. He was gentle at first and held himself in check, not wanting to choke her, but she seemed able and eager to take him in entirely. When she reached around to grab his arse cheeks, pulling him into her, his reserve was stripped away. He pushed deeply into her mouth. With a final hum, her throat clenched around him, her cheeks hollowing as she sucked, and in that moment he was undone.

"Hermione. Sweetness. You might… I'm going to … ah, fuck, fuck, ah fuck, yes, 'Mione!" Bill shouted at the ceiling as his come boiled out of him like a geyser. His eyes rolled back in his head, and his limbs, his torso, his very skin tingled and flamed with sensation. His semen spewed forth in great spurts and he could feel Hermione swallowing rapidly, her tongue drawing every last bit of seed from him and prolonging his pleasure.

She continued to suckle him carefully as his orgasm ebbed. His fingers threaded into her wet hair as he muttered praise to her, told her how lovely she was and how incredible it had felt to come that way. When she finally released him and regained her feet, smiling, he dove hungrily for her mouth to kiss her, tangling his tongue with hers. His musky semen still coated her tongue, combining with her own flavor and melding into the new taste of their bond. He growled possessively deep in his chest and she answered him with a satisfied growl of her own.

Whoa, panted the wolf. That was mind-blowing. She's incredible.

Nodding in agreement, Bill nuzzled her ear. "It's your turn, love," he breathed. He slid one arm around her waist and maneuvered her to the shower wall. His other hand moved slowly down, teasing her breasts and her nipples, and then further down to the apex of her thighs. He coaxed her to part her legs for him and dipped his long fingers between them. Just as he'd suspected, she was warm and slippery with arousal. Sucking him off had truly turned her on. Her thighs clenched as he explored her labia and clit at his leisure. She sighed against his lips, arms around his neck, and began to rub her nipples against his wet, hairy chest.

"Mmm, Bill, I'm so sensitive," she whispered. "Be gentle."

Bill hummed affirmatively, ceaselessly probing and touching her with the lightest of caresses. He slid his middle finger into her vagina and then added his forefinger, smiling as she gasped and clamped down on him with her muscles. He thrust slowly in to his knuckles, then back out, establishing a steady rhythm. His thumb began to circle her now-erect clitoris, gently, softly, and relentlessly. She quivered against him, making little gasps.

He kissed her lips, her cheek, her jaw, murmuring between each little peck and kiss how good she felt in his arms. He trapped her earlobe between his teeth and suckled it, all the while pumping his fingers and rubbing her engorged nub with his thumb. He nipped and licked his way down the side of her neck until at last he came to his bond-mark. Covering it with his mouth, he proceeded to suck, drawing blood to the skin to leave a bruising love bite.

Hermione was humping his hand now and whining, clutching at him as she sought relief. He could feel her tightening up, coiling like a clock's spring, ready to explode. Releasing his mark, he watched her face as he curled his fingers inside her, seeking the sensitive g-spot. When at last he found it, he wiggled his fingertips. She came explosively.

She wailed out his name as her orgasm hit, rippling and pulsing through her. He held her up, drinking in her expression as she shuddered: her mouth open in ecstasy, eyes shuttered, face and breasts flushed deep pink. He continued to rub that one spot inside her, not letting up the pressure, and he was delighted when, with another keening cry, she climaxed again. This time, however, she dropped her head into the crook of his shoulder and bithim, latching on tight as she rode the waves of multiple orgasms. Just as he had felt last night, her magical aura swirled and mixed with his, their energies blending together as one, the force of their bond now stronger than ever.

You really have the knack, lover-boy, the wolf said. Aren't you glad I stepped in?

Yes. Now be quiet. Right now, Bill didn't want to think about anything or anyone other than his mate.

The two of them clung to each other, trembling slightly, as their energies settled down and the shock waves finally left Hermione's system. They stood under the hot water for a few more minutes, quietly embracing, until finally she lifted her head.

"That was…"

"…fantastic," he said with her.

They chuckled, leaning against each other, forehead to forehead. They stayed like that for another minute or two, gazing into each other's eyes, until a loud grumble issued forth from Bill's stomach. Hermione's quickly followed suit with an answering rumble. "Time for breakfast," Bill said with a grin, and turned off the water.

After toweling themselves dry, Hermione retrieved her wand from the bedroom and cast a Drying Charm on Bill's hair and hers.

"That spell is one of my favorites," she said, shaking her now-dry mane of curls. She quickly began to braid it.

"Yep, it's a must for those of us endowed with an abundance of hair," Bill agreed, grinning. He tied his towel low on his hips and located his enchanted razor, directing it to remove his beard and make him look civilized again.

"I'll go see what I can find by way of breakfast food, all right?" Hermione gave him a quick kiss and a pat on the bum, and after quickly dressing in the clothes she'd stuffed into her beaded bag the evening before, she hurried downstairs to forage.

o

She can cook too. Can I pick 'em or what?

Bill agreed. "That, my darling, was delicious." Ignoring his lupine smart arse companion, He pushed aside his empty plate, which until just a few moments ago had been heaped with eggs, bacon, sausages, beans and toast, and rubbed his stomach in satisfaction.

Hermione smiled, but shook her head in exasperation. "Thank you, Bill. I'm happy you liked it, but would it kill you to keep some muesli or fruit in the house?" She indicated the lone banana she'd been able to locate.

Bill held up his hands in self-defense. "Hold on, I just got back from Egypt a few days ago. I bought the important things. I see that you didn't seem to have a problem clearing your own plate." He grinned. "Besides, beans are vegetables, so there." He ducked as she pretended to throw the banana at him.

Laughing, he picked up his wand and stood. "Now, I'll do the washing up, since you so graciously cooked for me." With a few aptly-chosen incantations, the table was clear and the dishes were scrubbing themselves in a sink full of hot, soapy water. He tapped the tea kettle with his wand, instantly boiling the water, and swiftly made two cups of tea.

That sorted out, he looked at Hermione, who had gone quiet and was twisting her fingers together, biting her lip. He recognized that look. She'd worn the same expression during breakfast, while she'd told him about Greyback's escape from Azkaban. She'd grown more and more agitated as she told him her suspicions about the werewolf, her face creasing with worry. He'd managed to ease some of her fears with his confident declaration that he would let nothing harm her, but now that their meal was over, she was beginning to fret again.

Such a busy head she had. It was the first thing that had attracted him to her two years before: her never-ending curiosity and quest for knowledge, so much like his own. That constant thinking and pondering was a double-edged sword, however, as it was too easy to let one's worries take control. His lovely bookworm wanted, needed, to talk, to ask questions, and to understand what was happening.

Bill's own ire began to rise as he thought about all the recent events. The happiness and contentment that had permeated his being since their mating last night was still present, but he was livid about Greyback and felt massively protective of his new mate. His hatred for the werewolf burned in his chest. He wanted some answers, too.

She blushed sheepishly when she caught his eye, noting his fierce glare. "Um, could we go sit and ..." she began, but stopped when he took her hands in his warm ones and pulled her to her feet.

"We've had a hell of a lot happen to us this weekend, haven't we?" he asked. "We don't see each other for almost a year, and then in the space of thirty-six hours, we discover we have a sizzling chemistry together, Fenrir Greyback's broken out of prison, and you and I have become life-mates. I think we should talk some more about all of it," he said, with one eyebrow raised.

Hermione nodded with relief. "You read my mind. There is so much to take in, Bill! I feel so happy with you, like a piece of myself has come back to me that I didn't know was missing. But I'm also scared. Greyback is loose, he's insane, and the evidence indicates he may be looking for me." She shivered.

A growl rose unbidden in Bill's throat at the very idea of Greyback touching her. Hermione looked at him with big, frightened eyes. He forced himself to relax, and said lightly, "Come on. Let's have our tea and try to find some answers to our questions. We should do it now while I'm still stuffed with food. I'm planning on shagging you senseless again later, you realize."

Hermione smiled at that and bit her lip again, this time in anticipation.

Just as they reached the door, however, they heard the Floo activate in the sitting room.

"Who could that be?" Hermione asked nervously.

"Don't worry. My wards are good and strong. It's got to be family," Bill told her, as they went to see who had arrived.

Stepping out of the fireplace were his father, Ron, and Lavender. Arthur darted forward, heedless of the soot he was scattering around, and pulled his eldest son into a bone-crushing embrace.

"Thank Merlin you two are all right!" he exclaimed, his voice shaking. Ron clapped his brother on the back and Bill hugged him after his father released him.

"Yes, we're fine, Dad, fine. More than fine," Bill said with a laugh.

Meanwhile, Lavender had swooped down on Hermione and hugged her, kissed her cheek, and hugged her again. She was on the verge of tears but she was smiling too. When she spied the bond-mark on Hermione's neck, she clapped her hands and laughed. She sniffed her friend, her smile widening as she did so, and then she hugged her harder than before.

Arthur sat down on the sofa with a sigh of relief. "Thank Merlin," he said again. "We were frantic after you ran off with Hermione last night, Bill. I'm ashamed to admit it, but Ron and I tried to follow you to make sure everything was okay."

"I told them there was no need and that they would just be interfering," Lavender said, rolling her eyes. "I knew that the last person you would hurt was Hermione, Bill. But they wouldn't listen."

His father went on explaining. "We just missed you at the pond. We'd heard, um, noises – howling, actually, and, well, other things – and were worried that Greyback had found you." Arthur stopped and cleared his throat. "I'm, um, sorry if we interrupted or disturbed anything. It was obvious you had been there." Ron nodded his agreement, blushing to his hairline.

Bill couldn't help smirking at his father and brother's embarrassment. "Hermione and I had just bonded, Dad. That's what you heard." A wolfish grin crossed his face. "I heard someone coming. It must have been you. I'd returned to my senses just enough to Disapparate us out of there." He looked at Hermione and winked. "We were enjoying ourselves too much to stop and see who was snooping around, weren't we, 'Mione?"

Hermione put an arm around Bill's waist and rested her head against his shoulder, smiling. "Yes. We just weren't in the mood for visitors." Suddenly she lifted her head and looked at the others. "But what about Charlie? Is he all right?"

Bill's face fell. "Godric, yeah, is Charlie okay? Gods, I tried to tear out his throat, didn't I?"

Who cares! He shouldn't have been fondling your mate-to-be.

I know that, but he's my brother, wolf!

"I remember ... I couldn't stop myself from hitting him. He'd touched Hermione!" He clenched his fist in memory. Hermione took his hand in hers to calm him.

Arthur hastily spoke. "Yes, yes, he's fine. You gave him one hell of a sore jaw and his nose needed to be set, but he says he's had worse blows from dragons and their tails."

Ron added, "He's awfully gleeful, actually. Today is Charlie's birthday, you know. He said he forgives you for beating him up, but he expects to be treated like royalty by his big brother today. 'Waited on hand and foot' were his actual words, I think." Hermione covered her mouth as she giggled. Bill scowled at Ron's words.

Their father said, "Yes. Well, you know how Charlie is. He understands what was happening to you better than the rest of us, I think, except perhaps Lavender. However, your mother insists that you two come back to the Burrow for dinner and birthday cake in honor of Charlie." He looked apologetic. "Between you and me, she wants to see for herself that you two are all right and that you, Hermione, haven't been, um, unduly savaged." He was crimson in the face as he finished.

Bill sniffed. "I'll have you know that any and all savaging that Hermione experienced was done with her enthusiastic consent." Hermione smacked him on the arm.

"Of course we'll come to the Burrow." She glared at Bill, daring him to protest. "We'll wish Charlie a happy birthday, satisfy Molly's curiosity, and have dinner. I need to get Crookshanks, anyway, and I'd like to get more of my things from my flat. We have a lot to do, really!"

Bill sighed heavily, but smiled at her as he said, "As you wish, sweetness."

She looked at Ron. "Have you had any word about Greyback?"

He shook his head. "No, not yet. Harry received an owl from Robards early this morning though, and he's at the office now. We'll find out from him what did, or didn't, happen last night."

There was a pause while they digested this information, then Bill picked up Hermione's beaded bag from the nearby coffee table. He handed it to her and drew his wand. "Let's get going then, shall we? I'll have to Side-Along Apparate with you, sweetness, because of the wards at the Burrow."

"All right," she said, taking his arm.

Lavender yelped, throwing out a hand. "No! No, Bill, wait! You mustn't Apparate, Hermione! You need to use the Floo."

Bill lowered his wand. "What? Lavender, she's got to go through the wards with me, regardless of how we travel. What does it matter how we get there? Apparition is quicker and cleaner."

Lavender looked at her brother-in-law like he was an idiot. "Of all people, you should know, Bill. Have you scented your mate today?"

Bill glared back at her. "Of course I have. She smells fantastic, as always."

Lavender rolled her eyes to the ceiling. "Smell her again, genius, and listen to your nose this time." She crossed her arms, waiting expectantly. Bill did as she bade; he closed his eyes and buried his nose in Hermione's hair, sniffing deep, and made a show of snuffling around her neck and ears. His touch was light and teasing, making Hermione squirm.

Suddenly he stopped and inhaled deeply once more through his nose. He looked at Lavender, eyes wide, and she stepped closer to him. He took a whiff of her hair and seemed to almost taste it, like a fine wine. While the others all looked at each other quizzically, Lavender nodded at Bill's expression of dawning comprehension.

"I didn't make the connection before," he said to Lavender with wonder in his voice.

Hermione looked from Bill to Lav and back again. "Bill? What is it? Please tell me what's the matter. You're scaring me," she asked nervously. He turned to her, a smile growing on his face.

"Hermione, love, Lavender's right. You shouldn't Apparate."

"But why? What's wrong?"

He drew in another deep breath, grinning like a Cheshire cat. He hugged her close.

"Absolutely nothing is wrong. You're pregnant, sweetness. We're going to have a baby."

TO BE CONTINUED...
- 5
- 6
- 7
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Twice in a Blue Moon